The Irish standard., 1887-10-29

people who look down on other people.
Tea parties,' or, as they were some
times called, benefit parties,' were in
vogue in Father O'Gorman's parish
about this time. Some poor widow,
pinched by poverty, or a poor girl find
ing herself short pound after saving
her earnings to pay her passage to
America, would be encouraged by her
friends to give a benefit party,' and
tickets written on slips Of copy paper
(envelopes were not dreamt of would
be sent round to the young men and
women of the neighborhood. We our
selves have been honored more than
once by getting q ticket The last
one we received is now before us, and
we are tempted to transcribe it for the
benefit of the uninitiated:-
'Nory delany expects the Pleasure of
Mr.---To a tea Party on sunday
Night gentlemen one shilling ladies
ten Pence
By the same token, we met Brian
Purcell at Norry DelaneY's tea-party
and it was there we first became per-
sonally acquainted with Josh Reddy,
whose collection on the occasion
amounted to It's, I'd. In fact, Norry
Delaney's tea party was 50 great a sue
cess, that she was not only able to go
with her two brothers to America(they
! had just been elected from their little
spot of ground, utactually purchased
a new cloak and bonnet out of the pro-
ceeds,-not to mention a stuff gown
and blue flannel petticoat.
But we have alluded to this particular
benefit party for the purpose of illus
trating a remark we have made by an
example.
! The absence Of Miss Floyd, the bon
net-maker-who was q new conner in
the village-was noticed by several per-
sons; and it came out that her absence
was owing to the interference Of Bob
Iiarkins the policeman, who was an
avowed admirer of hers
'As a friend, Iadyise you, Miss I,oyd,'
said Bob Harkins, not 70 go to that
party. For it you do,' added Bob Har-
kins, feeling with his hand, lest single
rib of hair on his we'll creased poll
should have strayed rom its proper
place, for if YOU 90, you'll meet the
seruff of scciety!'
Come, Fanny said Father O'Gor-
man, get yourself ready. [ am going
to take you home with me
Fanny was dreadfu}ly scared. She
thought h3r secret could he read in her
face, that it YVES visible to all men, and
that her uncle saw it, and was angry
with her! But Father paul's beam
ing smile soon dissipatea that foolish
notion, and Fanny was glad TO 20. She
hurried to her room to get herself ready
for the drive, devoutly hoping she could
get away withou meeting Brian.
Father Paul gave hint of his pro-
ject TO Kate, aud told her that the party
was to be that day week, and that
Fanny would write the invitations the
very next day. Whereupon Kate re-
preached him laughingly for not hav-
ing given her earlier notice of the i'm.
portaut event, as if he had done so, she
would certainly have got a new dress;
but as it was, she was determined to
send for a wreath to G --, which she
vas sure Father Paul would admire.
And that reminds me- said Kate;
that Fanny may want gloves, or some
thing. I'll go and ask her. / never
knew her TO lose SO much time putting
on her cloak and bonnet before
Kate found little Fanny standing by
the window.
whats delaying you, Fanny?' she
asked.
is Uncle Paul ready2' said Fanny,
all OF a tremble.
Yes, he is waiting for you, said
Kate. But came to you if you want
gloves or anything, as Brian is going to
the fair Tomorrow
No. Fanny replied, in some surprise,
looking at the gloves she had on.
oh, but mean white gloves
Fanny opened her eyes SO wiae that
Kate could not help laughing.
L forgot said she, you have not
heard about it yet. So I'll send for the
gloves
Fanny looked more bewildered than
ever, and became quite pale and then
very red.
DO, Kate. tell me what you mean,'
said she, pressing her hand to her fore
head. i believe my mind is not right.
sYou little fool! it is only Father
Paul who is going to give us a great
blow OUT as certain friends of ours
would say, and that is the reason he is
bringing you home with him. So don't
keep him waiting any longer And
Kate put her arm around little Fanny
and kissed her.
Wait till he's ready, Kate said